How to Play Different Notes on the Jaw Harp
The Jaw Harp (aka the Jew's Harp, mouth harp, trump, etc.) is one of the oldest instruments in existence. It has been around since at least the 3rd century, but is most traditionally known as a part of American folk and Western music. It is often used by composers like Ennio Morricone to evoke a lonesome but determined sound, becoming a staple of the Spaghetti Western.
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Instructions
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Place the two parallel bars of the mouth harp so that they touch your front teeth. Similar to a closed circuit, the jaw harp relies on a firm connection to be able to resonate. Make sure that equal pressure from the harp is exerted on your top and bottom teeth.
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2
Open your mouth, as if to say the "E" in "even." Pluck the tongue of the harp with one finger so that it flicks back into the mouth. Keep your own tongue out of range so that it is not struck by the metal strip as it flicks into the mouth. If your mouth is correctly opened, it should resonate between the teeth and the metal bars, resulting in a wavering, metallic sound.
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3
Reposition your mouth as if forming vowel sounds. The "E" shape is a good introduction because it leaves your mouth open wide enough to accommodate the inwardly flapping tongue of the harp.
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Once you have become comfortable with this initial position, try tacitly saying the other vowel sounds as you pluck the harp. This restructuring of the embouchure will result in different tones and notes. The smaller the hole of the mouth is, the lower the resulting note will be.
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